2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more understated and less ostentatious appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided the gaudy grilles seen on models like the BMW X7, opting for a more refined look. However, other GLS models, such as the AMG GLS 63 and the Maybach version, offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, enhancing the overall luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 maintained its reputation for stylish design and Scandinavian minimalism. The XC60 offered three powertrains, including a turbocharged PHEV option, and came in various trims like Core, Plus, Ultimate, and Polestar Engineered. Our test vehicle, a Recharge spec with the Ultimate package, featured a sleek Dark exterior theme and luxurious interior elements like Nappa leather seats, wood trim, and a crystal gear selector knob. The XC60's interior, though compact, felt spacious due to the panoramic sunroof and supportive seat cushions. The vehicle's design and materials contributed to a sense of opulence, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, making it smooth and responsive. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to a bouncy ride over bumps and excessive leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear wheels. This combination produced 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range. The XC60 Recharge offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, allowing for a customizable driving experience. The vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, making it exceptionally quick for its class. The XC60 Recharge also demonstrated impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 54.6 mpg over a 65-mile evaluation route. The maximum towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, suitable for most needs but lower than the GLS 450.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version offered individual captain’s chairs in the second row. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft to increase legroom. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading, but the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for carrying four people comfortably, though it could accommodate five. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered outstanding comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The back seats were also comfortable but had limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The vehicle featured practical storage solutions, including wide door panel bins and a ski pass-through panel. The air suspension allowed for easier loading of heavy items, but there was no underfloor storage due to the battery pack.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was found to be too sensitive. The graphics on both the touchscreen and instrument cluster were impressive, but the navigation system had some issues, including suggesting a route that added an hour to a trip.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. The system included four years of complimentary access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, and supported both Android and Apple CarPlay. The 9-inch touchscreen, though small, had excellent graphics and an intuitive interface. The voice-recognition system was generally impressive, though it occasionally provided unnecessary information. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, but the standard Harman Kardon system in the Ultimate package was likely sufficient for most users.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety, came with a comprehensive list of features in the Ultimate trim. These included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation to avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the PHEV version had not been assessed. The XC60 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year.